What if the key to understanding and improving brain health lies in a breakthrough approach to neurodata?
For Rob Cooley, founder and CEO of Nuream, unlocking the potential of brainwave data has the power to transform healthcare, mental wellness, and even military applications. By developing advanced smart-sensing materials, Nuream is making it possible to capture brain activity without the invasive sensors of traditional EEG technology—a revolutionary step in neuroscience.
In the latest episode of Founder Shares, Rob shares his unconventional journey from military service to venture capital to leading a neurodata science startup. His passion for solving “wicked problems” has driven Nuream to explore applications in sleep health, neurodegenerative disease detection, and cognitive performance tracking.
“You’re not supposed to be able to collect brain waves without anything stuck on your forehead,” Cooley explained. “The EEG is over 100 years old, and people were so comfortable with it that they weren’t thinking innovatively. We’ve taken science and turned it around to create something entirely new.”
But building a deep-tech startup comes with challenges. Rob discusses the hurdles of scaling in Wilmington, NC, a growing entrepreneurial hub that lacks the investor networks of larger tech cities. He also emphasizes the critical importance of data security when dealing with sensitive neurodata.
“People have gotten comfortable with sharing biometric data, but neurodata is different,” he said. “We must be incredibly thoughtful about how it’s collected, secured, and used.”
With an MVP expected within the next 12 to 15 months, Nuream is on the verge of bringing its first sleep health product to market. But Rob’s vision extends far beyond sleep tracking—his goal is to revolutionize mental health, disease detection, and even AI-powered diagnostics using brain data.
Want to hear more about the future of neurodata? Tune in to Founder Shares to hear how Rob Cooley is building Nuream and leading the next wave of brain science innovation. Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.
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